The Potential Adverse Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Human Health
Alexander Bear
Honors College – University of South Florida
Literature Reviews
Thesis submitted to the University of South Florida Honors Committee
In partial fulfillment for Graduation Spring 2012
Thesis Director: Dr. Amal Hakki
Committee Member: Dr. Martin Muschol
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Dr. Amal Hakki for guiding me to research electromagnetic fields and
sharing her profound insight into the subject. She has opened my eyes to the prospect of studying
medicine and further researching the electromagnetic properties of man. Her assistance has led
me to numerous revelations, and it is impossible to express my gratitude in a few short sentences.
In addition, I would like to thank Dr. Martin Muschol for assisting me in understanding and
stimulating my interest in the field of biophysics. Furthermore, I would like to thank my boss,
Dr. Roy Winkelman of the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, for providing me with
insight into the importance of technology in education. I would also like to thank both Dr. Kerry
Crofton and Will Spates for answering my specific questions about the safety aspects of
electromagnetic field exposure. Moreover, I would like to thank my family and friends who have
allowed me to share my understanding of the topic with them and have provided support
throughout the process of writing the thesis. Finally, I would like to thank the Honors College at
the University of South Florida, led by Dr. Stuart Silverman and Dr. George Kleine, for giving
me the opportunity to research this controversial topic and assisting me with the resources I
needed.
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Table of Contents
Title
Page
Introduction/Background
...............................................................................
What are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)?
3
......................................................
4
Relationship Between Humans and Natural EMFs ..........................................
6
The Benefits of EMFs
10
...............................................................................
Adverse Effects of EMF Exposure due to Ionization and Heating
...................
11
Adverse Effects of EMF Exposure at Levels Below Threshold for Heating .......
13
Measures to Protect Against Adverse Effects of Non-Thermal EMF Exposure … 39
Detoxification/Treatment Options
...................................................................
41
...................................................................................
45
.........................................................................................................
47
Summary & Conclusions
References
Figure & Tables/Charts
.....................................................................................
60
2
Introduction/Background
“Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among people,”
– John Adams
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been present on the Earth for at least 3.5 billion
years; this length of time is how long the Earth has had a magnetic field (1). Other large sources
of electricity and magnetism throughout the history of the Earth have been lightning strikes, the
sun, and distant radio stars (2).
For billions of years, these were the only sources of EMFs that organisms encountered.
Around 2000 B.C., medical writings of Chinese, Egyptian, and Vedic Hindu cultures noted using
loadstones (mineral magnetite) for medicinal purposes (3). Around 600 B.C., Greek philosopher
Thales of Miletus made references to the properties of loadstones and reported that charge could
be accumulated by rubbing fur on amber (4). But, using natural minerals and stones for such
purposes did not contribute to a significant change in the electromagnetic properties of the Earth.
It was not until discoveries in the 19th century by scientists such as Michael Faraday, Greg Ohm,
Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and Alexander Graham Bell that electricity and magnetism
became well understood and led to the Technological Revolution (5).
During the early 1900s, man began to harness electromagnetic forces by creating power
systems that provided electricity to the masses (6). Wireless radio was introduced in the 1920’s,
radar in the 1940’s, televisions in the 1950’s, computers in the 1970’s, and cell phones in the
1980’s (Figure 1) (6). Today, there are nearly 6 billion people with mobile phone subscriptions,
over one billion personal computers in use, and television sets in 99 percent of American
households (7, 8). Due to advancements in technology, the ambient levels of low-frequency
EMFs that we are exposed to has increased substantially; for instance, the lowest levels of
radiofrequency (RF) radiation is now about 100,000 times higher than the level which was
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present before the introduction of RF technology (6). There has also been an increase in
technology that utilizes high-frequency EMFs, such as “Computerized Axial Tomography”
(CAT) scans and mammograms used in clinical practice; but, such technology has been well
contained and is standardized because the potential harmful side effects associated with its use
are well established (9).
The devices that emit low-frequency EMFs are currently used heavily on an everyday
basis and by nearly everyone although multiple studies have given evidence of potential adverse
effects associated with their use (10). Hence, the present study was aimed at raising awareness to
the negative aspects of using or overusing these devices as they have become an indispensable
part of our daily routines. It is the purpose of this research paper to explain why devices that emit
low-frequency EMFs can potentially be hazardous to health and what measures can be taken to
avoid their negative effects. Cell phones, computers, and televisions will be emphasized. These
devices fall in the extremely low-frequency (ELF) range and the radiofrequency (RF) range.
Other devices that emit high-frequency EMFs will not be discussed thoroughly because the
adverse effects associated with their use are well understood.
What are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)?
An electromagnetic field (EMF) is a combination of an electric field and a magnetic field;
emitted electric charges produce a magnetic field and a change in the magnetic field produces an
electric current (11). EMFs are energy fields that are generated by and surround all electrical
devices (12). The strength of the EMF produced is dependent on the components of the device.
The properties of these components vary, causing devices to have different field strengths. For
instance, a microwave oven can produce an EMF 200 times stronger than that of a computer
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monitor when measured at the same distance from the source (12). Furthermore, as distance
increases from a device, the strength of the electromagnetic field decreases in an inversely
proportional relationship (12). For example, the strength of the field produced by a cathode-ray
television is 30 milliGauss (mG) at 6 inches, 7 mG at 1 foot, 2 mG at 2 feet, and 0 mG at 4 feet.
Interestingly, field strength decreases in electrical devices when they are turned off but still can
produce a field if plugged into an outlet; of course, unplugging the device will eliminate the field
because there is no longer a current to power the device (6).
EMFs are characteristic in the frequencies at which they oscillate. Energy can be described as
travelling in waves, and radiation is the term used to describe the transmission of these waves
through space or through a medium (11). The type of radiation is dependent on the frequency at
which the energy is being transmitted. Frequency is defined as how many waves are passing
through a point per unit time. When describing radiation, cycles per second (1/sec), or Hertz (Hz)
is used.
Each frequency range has a specific definition on the electromagnetic spectrum (Figures 2, 3,
4). The spectrum ranges from just above 0 Hz and stretches past 1020 Hz. The frequency of the
wave determines its wavelength; radiation with longer wavelengths is on the left of the spectrum
and become shorter as the spectrum moves to the right. It is important to note that waves with
short wavelengths are higher in energy than those with long wavelengths; hence, they are termed
as high-frequency waves (11). Extremely low frequency (ELF) waves have the longest
wavelengths; examples include human heart rate (1-2Hz), human brain wave activity (4-30Hz),
and electricity (50/60 Hz) (6). The next band is radiofrequency (RF) waves; they oscillate at
thousands to billions of Hz and include broadcast frequencies for radio and television.
Microwaves have higher a frequency than RF waves and oscillate at millions to billions of Hz;
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mobile phones, microwave ovens, Wi-Fi, and radar are a few examples that use this frequency
range. It is important to note that cell phones and some other devices may be referred to as
having either radio frequencies or microwave frequencies; the is because RF and microwaves
overlap on the electromagnetic spectrum and can be descriptive of the same frequency. Radio
waves have frequencies from 3 kilohertz (kHz) 300 gigahertz (GHz). Microwaves have
frequencies from 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 GHz (11). Infrared (IR) waves are higher
frequency than microwaves and are associated with heating; some remote controls use infrared
radiation to power on and off television sets. Visible light is the next range and corresponds to
what can be processed visually. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is higher in energy than visible light;
the main source is from sunlight. Higher than UV rays are X-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles,
beta particles, and cosmic rays, all of which are extremely energetic (11).
Relationship Between Humans and Natural EMFs
The Earth’s magnetic field measures between 0.2 and 0.6 gauss (G) and has a daily change in
strength of about 0.1 G (Figure 5) (13). The strength of the field is greatest near the poles and
weakest near the equator. The Earth also has an electric current created by the thousands of
lightning strikes that occur daily; this causes the surface to be negatively charged relative to the
ionosphere (Figure 6) (14). The magnetism and electricity that we are exposed to regularly via
the Earth seems weak; the magnetic field generated by the Earth is about 400 times weaker than
that of a standard bar magnet and the electric current at the surface is well below the 100
Amperes (amps) used to power homes (13). But, humans have been shown to use natural
electromagnetism for biological functions. For instance, the Schumann fundamental frequency of
7.83 Hz generated in the ionosphere is used by the brain to regulate biological rhythms including
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sleep cycles and hormone production (15). This frequency has also been shown to be essential
for orienting attention, memory processing, motivation, coordination, and feelings of well-being
(15). In the absence of this frequency, such as in space-flight, adverse health conditions arise;
NASA has installed Schumann wave generators into manned space crafts since discovering the
correlation between the frequency and its effects on health (15).
It is not entirely understood as to why humans synchronize their biological rhythms with
electromagnetic fields generated by natural phenomena, but a study conducted in 2011 has
shown that the retina contains a protein called flavoprotein cryptochrome that is sensitive to
magnetic fields in the presence of light (16). Other organisms, including bacteria, bees,
salamanders, birds, salmon, sea turtles, and a number of other sea creatures do have magnetic
sense organs; it is therefore feasible that humans could possibly use magnetic fields to orient
themselves although more studies must be undertaken to validate this theory (17).
Another plausible mechanism for the relationship between humans and Earth’s geomagnetic
field is that ELF EMFs (such as the 7.83 Hz Schumann frequency) can directly influence the
charged particles (sodium, calcium, and potassium) found in the body, a phenomenon called
cyclotron resonance. Charged particles exposed to a steady magnetic field begin to move in a
circular motion at right angles to the applied magnetic field; the ratio between the charge and
mass of the particle, as well as the strength of the magnetic field, determine the speed at which it
will orbit (13). The particle rotates at a certain frequency and if an electric field is added that
oscillates at exactly the same frequency at rights angles to the magnetic field, energy is
transferred from the electric field to the particle, which causes it to vibrate more rapidly (13). In
the body, the excited particles can pass through cell membranes with greater efficiency and in
higher numbers, leading to cell membrane depolarization. The body is composed of trillions of
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cells, and such direct energetic influence on the cells can have major biological effects. This
phenomenon was shown directly in a few experiments, most notably an experiment in which rats
were exposed to an oscillating magnetic field at 60 Hz and a controlled magnetic field of 0.2 G, a
combination resonant with the lithium ion (Figure 7) (18). The exposed rats exhibited passive
and submissive behavior in addition to having lower activity levels than control rats, an effect
that is also seen when rats (or humans) are given large doses of lithium such as in the treatment
of manic-depressive psychosis (18).
Further evidence that humans linked to the geomagnetic field is shown in a study by Dr.
Howard Friedman and Dr. Robert Becker which reported that admissions to psychiatric facilities
increased significantly during any week a large magnetic storm generated by the sun occurred
(Figure 8) (19). Strong geomagnetic activities also appear to contribute to an increase in the
number of convulsive seizures and heart attacks (20, 21).
Humans could have an intimate relationship with the cosmos as well. A study in 2011 has
given riveting evidence that the blueprints for DNA may have originated in the cosmos. The
amino acids and sugars that make up proteins and DNA in humans are only of one type although
all molecules can exist in a 50/50 ratio of two types, a left-handed (L) form and a right-handed
(R) form (22). This means that somehow, humans selected only one type of each to make the
structural units of their bodies. Excess of amino acids of only one type are also seen in primitive
meteorites, which are pieces of asteroids and other bodies (e.g. moons, stars, planets) that travel
through space and fall to the Earth (23). These meteorites often contain iron and nickel, metals
which exhibit strong magnetic properties (23). The researchers reproduced analogs of interstellar
and cometary ices and subjected them to circularly polarized ultraviolet radiation, mimicking the
conditions of some space environments. Upon heating, a residue formed that contained a
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significant excess of the amino acid L-alanine (as opposed to R-alanine), comparable to the
excess found in meteorites (22). The study succeeded in producing the asymmetric molecules of
life from a mixture that contained no asymmetric substances, suggesting that the origins of life
began in an astrophysical process. The implications of this research are tremendous, but one
conclusion that can be drawn is that humans have a deeply embedded relationship with
magnetism, ultraviolet radiation, and other electromagnetic phenomena of the universe.
Although it may be a bit of a stretch for our Western culture to consider that DNA may have
been developed in deep regions of space and that we are in synchronization with the cyclical
processes of the Earth, it is a widely accepted fact that the physiology of humans has a large
basis in electromagnetism. Cells are composed of atoms with positively charged nuclei that form
attractions with negatively charged electrons orbiting around the nuclei (24). The body contains
large amounts of water and ions such as calcium and potassium that are conductors of electrical
current (24). Our DNA vibrates at high frequencies and emits very weak light, referred to as
biophotons (Figure 9) (25). The photons emitted from the human body surround it in a highly
structured manner and regulate the activity of metabolic enzymes (25). The body also emits its
own weak electromagnetic field (26) (Figure 10).The central nervous system (CNS) transmits
electrochemical signals throughout the length of the body via neurons and controls the actions of
the eyes, salivary glands, heart, lungs, pancreas, gall bladder, bladder, intestines, and genitals
(27) (Figures 11, 12, 13). The propagation of an action potential allows neurotransmitters like
dopamine and serotonin to be released which can affect cognition, motivation, mood, behavior,
attention, memory, and appetite (24). Every moment of the day, the hypothalamus, located in the
midbrain, ensures that the blood is at an optimal temperature and that sugar, mineral, and
hormone levels are in balance; if anything is out of balance, the hypothalamus will stimulate the
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autonomic nervous system to achieve homeostasis (28, 29). Furthermore, a direct-current (DC)
electrical system is embedded in the perineural-cell sheath, the protective layer of peripheral
nerves, and extends throughout the whole body. This DC system serves to communicate
electrical signals and is responsible for commanding the nerve-impulse system, a phenomenon
referred to as “readiness potential” (30). The DC system prepares neurons to fire in order to
move a muscle in response to a stimulus. Moreover, Schwann cells, which are a component of
the DC system, carry electrical signals that help to heal bone fractures (13).
The Benefits of Electromagnetic Fields
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,”
– Arthur C. Clarke
All technological advancements present today have arisen through the manipulation of
electricity and magnetism. These technological advancements have greatly enhanced many
aspects of our lives, including communication, information dissemination, and health care. Cell
phones have allowed us to call or text message family and friends at any time. Global positioning
systems (GPS) have allowed us to navigate the world and mark coordinates with the push of a
button. If GPS was available at the time of the voyage of the Titanic, it is very unlikely that the
ship would have collided with an iceberg. Radio and television have allowed for up-to-date news
broadcasts, coverage of political debates and sports, and even weather forecasts. Computers have
given us the ability to type and edit documents with ease, create music and videos, and access the
Internet. The Internet has provided monumental benefits to society in terms of communication
and information dissemination, such as allowing people thousands of miles away to talk with one
another in real-time using Skype and providing students free access to lectures from worldrenowned professors via iTunes U. All modern medical devices such as magnetic resonance
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imagers (MRIs), electroencephalograms (EEGs), electrocardiographs (EKGs), defibrillators, life
machines, incubators, CAT scan devices, glucose monitoring devices, blood pressure monitors,
and digital thermometers have allowed for prevention of disease, the meticulous tracking of
health progress in overcoming illness, and for preservation of life. Needless to say, the
importance of the electromagnetic forces that power our technological advancements cannot be
underestimated.
Adverse Effects of EMF Exposure due to Ionization and Heating
“I am sorry to say that there is too much point to the wisecrack that life is extinct on
other planets because their scientists were more advanced than ours,”
– John F. Kennedy
Because electromagnetic fields are a major part of everyday life, there has been extensive
research conducted to determine if certain properties of electromagnetism can cause adverse
health effects. The general consensus by the scientific community is that any form of radiation
that can cause ionization or heating effects is dangerous. Ionizing radiation has the ability to
liberate electrons from molecules and produces free radicals (9). In the body, free radicals are
highly reactive and can cause mutations of DNA which lead to autoimmune diseases and/or
cancer (9). All other forms of radiation are non-ionizing; they do not readily cause liberation of
electrons because their energy levels are low in comparison to X-rays, gamma rays, and other
forms of ionizing radiation (31). But, even non-ionizing radiation can be harmful if heating
effects occur. For instance, excessive UV radiation can excite molecular bonds and form thymine
dimers which cause sunburn and can eventually lead to skin cancer; this molecular bond
excitation is well below the required level for ionization (32). In addition, excessive IR exposure
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can cause cataracts and corneal damage in the eyes due to subtle heating effects at levels below
the energy requirements for ionization (33).
The danger of radiation is said to increase with an increase in the magnitude of energy;
so, ionizing radiation is dangerous at low levels, UV light is dangerous at moderate levels,
whereas infrared radiation is dangerous only in excessive amounts. The radiation of lower
frequencies including microwave, RF, and ELF are generally considered far less hazardous
because their fields have to be directed with great power and accuracy to cause a heating effect.
Of course, microwave ovens have this capability, but the energy is contained. ELFs such as
electricity do not generally cause heating effects but can cause electrocution at high voltages;
but, this capability is contained and electrocution is not a common threat.
Furthermore, the amount of radiation exposure is essential in determining hazardous
effects; the higher the amount of radiation one is exposed to, the higher the chance of adverse
effects. For instance, if a person is exposed to 1-2 Grays (Gy) of radiation, the probability of
having nausea and vomiting is 5-50%; if exposed to 6-8 Gy, the portability of nausea and
vomiting is 75-100% (34). If radiation exposure is below the threshold for damage, then no
hazardous affects will be immediately seen (35).
The effects of radiation exposure are cumulative; limiting the time of exposure limits the
probability of having potential adverse reactions. For example, when the premenopausal breast is
exposed to 0.01 Gy of radiation by a mammogram, there is a 1 percent increase in the risk of
developing breast cancer; over 10 years, the 0.1 Gy of such exposure increases the risk by about
10% (36).
The host factor is also crucial in considering the hazards of EMF exposure. This refers to
intrinsic factors such as current health status, the competence of the immune system, age, gender,
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ethnic background, and skin complexion. For instance, light-skinned people are at a higher risk
than dark-skinned people of getting sunburnt (37).
Adverse Effects of EMF Exposure at Levels Below Threshold for Heating
“If Mobile Phones Were a Type of Food, They Simply Would Not be licensed,”
– Dr. Gerald Hyland, The Lancet
The thermal adverse effects of EMF exposure are well established, but there is still great
debate as to whether or not there are non-thermal effects. By non-thermal it is meant that the
EMF would not cause heating in cells; for instance, if a person sits near a Wi-Fi router while
working on their computer, they are being exposed to radiofrequency radiation but feel no
warmth. This is because the radiation is below a threshold in which it can be directly sensed.
It is intuitive to recognize dangerous associated with heating effects; for example,
extended exposure to sunlight can cause burns, peeling skin, and dehydration. On the other hand,
it may not be intuitive to recognize potential dangers associated with non-thermal radiation
exposure: use of a cell phone for an hour does not generally produce any noticeable effects such
as redness or peeling of the skin near where the phone is held.
The difficulty in associating exposure to low-frequency radiation at levels that do not
cause heating with adverse reactions in the body is that there are no noticeable, acute effects in
the majority of the population. But, consider that the body functions via complex electrical
interactions and regular exposure to EMFs can induce small changes in this system. Over time,
these minor alterations add up and can eventually lead to noticeable dysfunction. Furthermore,
the body utilizes and protects itself from natural electromagnetic radiation: the Schumann
frequency is used to regulate biological rhythms, visible light is used to see, UV radiation from
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the sun is converted to Vitamin D in the skin and can also cause burns from long exposure, and
cells protect themselves against ionizing radiation from cosmic rays that reach the Earth (6, 15,
32, 35). Our bodies are basically antennas for the majority of electromagnetic radiation, and lowfrequency, man-made radiation is no exception. This type of radiation falls within the RF and
ELF ranges (Figure 13). Most of the frequencies in the RF range, with the exception 1-30 kHz
frequency of lightning, have never been in the environment before the introduction of wireless
radio technology in the 1920s (6, 38). This means that in the 100,000-200,000 years that humans
have inhabited the Earth, the first introduction to RF EMFs was less than 100 years ago (39).
Humans therefore have no innate mechanisms to protect them from RF EMF exposure at any
level (10). Furthermore, the increase was sudden and drastic, not allowing time for the body to
adapt to this environmental agent. Humans have coexisted with ELF EMFs (e.g. heart at 1-2 Hz
and brain wave activity at 4-30 Hz) since their inception, but the introduction of electric power
(50 and 60 Hz) in the early 1900s was the first time ELF EMFs were seen in the environment.
The potential harm associated with using frequencies that are very similar to those used naturally
is the body interpreting the outside frequencies as signals to perform bodily functions; for
instance, signaling cells to divide or causing depolarization of cell membranes via cyclotron
resonance (13).
Another reason man-made EMFs can cause adverse effects in the body is because they
are modulated (Figure 14-C). Modulation involves a high-frequency signal, called the carrier
wave, which has a corresponding low-frequency signal that is superimposed on the carrier wave
(10). Natural, analog waves are continuous, sinusoidal, and “clean” (Figure 14-A) in comparison
to the “jagged” digital waves. It is possible that these digital waves can interact with protein
receptors on the cell membrane and cause vibrations that compromise its permeability (40). This
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leads to impaired nutrient flow into the cell and less waste pushed out of the cell. Increased waste
products in the cell can lead to the formation of free radicals (41). Intercellular communication
can also be disrupted causing clusters of cells to work less effectively (41).
The mechanisms explaining why low-frequency EMFs could potentially be harmful are
still not fully understood. But, a group of international scientists, researchers, and public health
professionals who met at the 2009 International EMF conference in Norway reviewed over 2,000
journal articles and agreed that levels of ELF and RF field exposure well below the current safety
guidelines in most countries (including the United States) do cause adverse health effects; these
effects included DNA breaks, chromosome aberrations, activation of proto-oncogenes,
production of stress proteins, decreased cell membrane permeability, reduced intercellular
communication, alteration of metabolism, cell death, increased free radical production,
premature aging, performance impairment, headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, and decreased
melatonin production (42).
A) Genotoxic Effects
Genes are the units of heredity, meaning they contain the traits passed onto offspring.
They also contain information to maintain the cells of the body. Any alteration in structure or
expression of genes can have serious consequences, such as changes in cellular function, cancer,
and cell death (10). A study conducted in 2005 reported an increase in DNA strand breaks
(Figure 15) and disruption of cell division in lymphocytes that were isolated from cell phone
users (43). Lixia et al. reported in 2006 that there was an increase in DNA damage to human lens
epithelial cells after being exposed to a 1.8 GHz frequency at a power of 3 Watts/kilogram
(W/kg); damage was seen after initial exposure, as well as after 30 minutes and 2 hours of
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exposure (44). Another study by Sun et al. found that 2 hours of exposure to a 1.8 GHz
frequency at 3 and 4 W/kg caused increases in DNA single strand breaks of human lens
epithelial cells (45). The damage to DNA caused by the 4 W/kg field were not reversible (45). In
addition, D’Ambrosio et al. found that when human peripheral blood was exposed to a 1.748
GHz phase-modulated wave for 15 minutes at a power of 5 W/kg, there was a statistically
significant increase in cell division (46). The 1.8 GHz frequency and frequencies close to it are
cellular phone frequencies; the power in W/kg refers to the specific absorption rate (SAR); SAR
is an indicator of how much radiation is absorbed into the head while using a cell phone. In the
United States, SAR values are not supposed to exceed 1.6 W/kg, but can be exceeded if the user
holds the phone closer than half an inch from their ear with many cell phone models (47, 48).
Human blood samples exposed to a continuous-wave (non-modulated) wave at 7.7 GHz
radiation and power densities of 500, 1,000, and 3,000 microwatts per centimeter squared
(µW/cm2) for 10, 30 and 60 min all showed chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei formation
significantly higher than in control samples (49). Chromosomes are organized structures of DNA
and protein; micronuclei formation is indicative of altered and potentially abnormal cell division.
Zotti-Martelli et al. conducted a study which showed that human peripheral blood lymphocytes
in the G0 phase exposed for 30 and 60 minutes to 2.45 and 7.7 GHz frequencies at a power
density of 30,000 µW/cm2 for 15, 30, and 60 minutes induced micronuclei formation (50).
Peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to continuous 830-MHz electromagnetic fields at power
densities of 1.6-8.8 W/kg for 72 hours showed somatic mutations that led to genomic instability;
there was also abnormal replication of the chromosome 17 region engaged in segregation (51).
Statistically significant changes in chromatin condensation in human lymphocytes occurred at
exposures of 895-915 MHz at 5,400 µW/kg after 30 minutes and 1 hour of exposure (52). In
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another study, twelve subjects exposed to microwave radiation in an occupational setting all
showed an increase in frequency of micronuclei in comparison to controls (53). The RF fields
measured in µW/cm2 which were used in these studies can be found environmentally in areas
within a few feet of Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and cordless phones (54). Again, the SAR
values emitted by cell phones may be on the lower end of the 1.6-8.8 W/kg. Regardless,
genotoxic effects were shown to be present at levels that did not cause heating of tissue. A study
in 2011 by Blank and Goodman proposed that these genotoxic effects could potentially be due to
the inherent structure of DNA (55). DNA possesses two structural characteristics of fractal
antennas: electronic conduction and self-symmetry. Fractal antennas are efficient in picking up
electromagnetic fields.
B) Activation of Stress Response
A second biological effect of low-frequency EMF exposure is activation of the stress
response. The stress response is a mechanism that protects cells from environmental stressors
and is mediated by heat shock proteins (HSPs) (10). Activation of the stress response due to lowfrequency EMF exposure indicates that the cells of the body see these fields as potentially
dangerous to their optimal functioning, even at levels that do not cause heating effects. In the
ELF range, it has been estimated that this stress response occurs at a threshold of 10-12 W/kg,
which is more than a billion times lower than the thermal stimuli that cause damage in the RF
range (56).
A variety of frequencies and powers can induce the stress response. Human endothelial
cells exposed to a 900 MHz frequency at an average SAR of 2 W/kg for one hour activated the
HSP27/p38MAPK stress pathway (57). Human epithelial amnion (AMA) cells of the fetus
17
subjected to a frequency of 960 MHz at a power of 2.1 W/kg for 20 minutes produced higher
amounts of HSP70 than control cells (58). Human lens epithelial cells irradiated with a
frequency of 1.8 GHz and powers of 1, 2, and 3 W/kg all showed messenger ribonucleic acid
(mRNA) and protein expression of HSP70; significant expression was seen with powers of 2 and
3 W/kg after 2 hours of exposure (59). Carglia et al. used a 1.95 GHz frequency at an average
power of 3.6 W/kg and found that this combination increased the activity of HSP70 in benign
cancer cells after 1, 2, and 3 hours of exposure (60). Czyz et al. exposed tumor-suppressor p53deficient embryonic stem cells to a modulated 1.71 GHz frequency at different SAR levels that
were below the allowable safety limits and found a significant up-regulation of HSP70 (61). An
864.53 MHz frequency at an average SAR value of 7 W/kg increased the activity of stress genes
in a human mast cell line (cells activated in allergies); the cells were exposed to the radiation for
20 minutes, three times a day, for seven days (62). Frequencies as low as 60 Hz at magnetic field
strengths of 80 mG for 30 minutes of exposure were shown to induce HSP70 gene expression in
human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells (63).
C) Effects on the Immune System
Exposure to low-frequency EMFs can also have adverse effects on the immune system.
The immune system is the body’s defense system against potential invaders such as bacteria,
viruses, parasites, fungi, and prions; these invaders can wreak havoc on the body and cause
serious illness. There are two components to the immune system, which are the innate immune
system and the acquired immune system (Figure 16) (64). The innate immune system is the first
line of defense against environmental pathogens. Physical barriers including the skin, lungs,
eyes, mouth, stomach, and genitalia can deal with most pathogens (64). If a physical barrier is
18
jeopardized by a trauma (e.g. a cut or a burn), the innate immune response is initiated. If the
innate immune response cannot clear the infection, the acquired immune response is activated.
There are many components of the acquired immune system, and these components are very
effective in ridding the body of pathogens, a process that usually takes 7-10 days (64).
i)
Suppression of Immune System
It is important to recognize that suppression of immune function increases the chances of
becoming ill and hinders the ability to recover from illness. Low-frequency EMFs have been
shown to suppress immune function.
Boscol et al. conducted a case study including 19 women who were exposed to
radiofrequency radiation ranging between 500 KHz and 3 GHz from a residential radio broadcast
tower for a period of two years; the control group consisted of 47 women of similar age, smoking
habits, and predisposition to developing allergies. The broadcast tower caused the EMF exposure
in the experimental group to be two times higher than the levels experienced by the control
group. The results showed a reduction in T cell cytotoxic activity in the peripheral blood of
women in the group subjected to higher levels of EMFs (65). Blood natural killer (NK) CD16+CD56+, cytotoxic CD3(-)- CD8+, B and NK activated CD3(-)-HLA-DR+ and CD3(-)-CD25+
lymphocytes, along with production of IL-2 and interferon-gamma were all reduced (65). The
results indicated that the immune systems of the control groups were not as effective in dealing
with pathogens. Another study conducted by Dmoch and Moszczynski found an increased count
of lymphocytes and T8 lymphocytes, a decreased count of NK cells, and a lower value of Thelper/T-suppressor ratio (T4/T8) in workers of TV re-transmission and satellite communication
centers, indicating immune dysfunction (66). Cleary et al. found a decrease in the proliferation of
cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLL-2) after exposure to a 2450 MHz frequency at a SAR of 25
19
W/kg or higher for 24 hours (67). Czerka et al. found that when human lymphocytes were
exposed to pulsed wave 2450 MHz radiation at average SAR levels of 12.3 W/kg for 5 days,
statistically significant spontaneous transformation occurred (68). Immunogenic and proinflammatory activity of monocytes was seen in mononuclear cells isolated from the peripheral
blood of healthy donors when exposed to a pulse modulated frequency of 1300 MHz at 330
pulses per second with pulse widths of 5 microseconds and an average SAR value of 0.18 W/kg
(69). This was indicated by an increase in the lymphocyte production of interleukin (IL-10) and
IL-1β along with a drop in the concentration of its antagonist (IL-1ra). Del Signore et al. showed
that women exposed to ELF EMFs had lower levels of blood NK CD16 (+)-CD56+ lymphocyte
subpopulations and of in vitro production of interferon-gamma in peripheral blood mononuclear
cells, indicating reduced cytotoxic activity (70).
ii)
Allergic Reaction – Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)
Furthermore, any agent that stimulates an exaggerated immune response, also called an
allergic reaction, can be very serious, or at the very least lower the quality of life. For instance, a
person severely allergic to peanuts who eats a peanut can go into anaphylactic shock and
possibly die; a person allergic to pollen may develop itching of the nose, running of the eyes, and
uncontrollable sneezing during the spring season.
There is evidence that some people may have allergic reactions when in the vicinity of
devices emanating electromagnetic fields; this phenomenon is referred to as electromagnetic
hypersensitivity (EHS) (71). Symptoms of EHS can include the skin problems of stinging,
itching, burning, erythema, and rosacea, as well as fatigue, headache, sleeplessness, nausea,
dizziness, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and cardiac irregularities (Figure 17) (72, 73,
74, 75). An indication that the occurring symptoms are due to EHS can be seen by a significant
20
increase in the number of mast cells (72). A study showing this effect involved 13 participants
who sat 16 inches from a cathode-ray television for 2 and 4 hours. Eleven participants had an
increase in mast cell production (73). The two who did not showed that there was a shift of mast
cells to the upper dermis of the skin, also seen in all other participants (73). Another study of two
individuals exposed to the same type of television found both participants’ somatostatin-positive
cells dropped to levels that were nearly undetectable; the participants had high levels of the cells
before exposure, and the drastic drop was indicative of a loss of immunoreactivity (74).
Furthermore, the facial skin of individuals with EHS have been found to have different levels of
the biological markers calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), somatostatin (SOM), vasoactive
intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine amide (PHI), neuropeptide tyrosine
(NPY), protein S-100 (S-100), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), protein gene product (PGP) 9.5,
and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) in comparison to people not claiming to
have EHS (75).
D) Effects on the Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart which pumps blood and the blood vessels
which channel blood throughout the body (Figure 18) (76). Oxygenated blood is pumped to the
body and deoxygenated blood is pumped to the lungs. This constant flow of blood allows
nutrients to reach cells, waste to be removed, and creates pressure on the walls of blood vessels
referred to as blood pressure (BP). Each time the heart beats there is a maximum (systolic) and
minimum (diastolic) pressure (76). The normal resting systolic pressure is slightly below 120
millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and normal resting diastolic blood pressure is slightly below 80
mmHg (77). “Millimeters of mercury” is simply the unit used for measuring blood pressure. If
21
the levels are below the 120/80 mmHg value (around 90/60 mmHg), it is referred to as
hypotension and can cause dizziness and fainting (77). Hypertension is when blood pressure is
above 120/80 mmHg; 140/90 mmHg is around the threshold for high blood pressure (77).
Hypertension can lead to heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Effects on blood pressure were documented by a study published in the Lancet conducted by
Braune et al.; cell phone radiation was found to increase blood pressure (78). Cell phones were
attached to the right side of the heads of 10 volunteers; remotes were used to turn the cell phones
on and off. Each time the phones were turned on, there was a 5-10 mmHg increase in blood
pressure, which is enough to cause a stroke in people with pre-existing heart conditions (78). In
2004, Ghione et al. subjected ten male volunteers to a 37 Hz EMF at a flux density of 800 mG
for 60 minutes; the field was directed at the head only. During field exposure, there was a
significant increase in systolic pressure (79).
To maintain a stable blood pressure, the heart beats between 60-80 times per minute (60-80
beats per minute or bpm) when a person is at rest (25). Beating too slowly or too quickly can
cause the same adverse reactions as hypotension and hypertension, respectively. Usually, the
heart beats at regular intervals (e.g. once per second); but, when the heart is stressed for any
reason, the intervals can become irregular (Figure 19). Furthermore, reduction in heart rate
variability (HRV) can be indicative of a predisposition for a higher risk of blood clots,
embolisms, strokes, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest (76).
The effects of EMFs on heart rate was investigated by a study in 2004 in which Tabor et
al. subjected fifteen males to a 50 Hz EMF with a magnetic flux density of 1500-2000 mG
directed at the heart and 200-300 mG directed at the head for 1 hour; a significant decrease in
mean heart rate (HR) as well as a significant decrease of 8% in HRV were found (80). In another
22
study, the effect of incubators on HRV was studied in 43 newborns. Incubators are devices that
protect sick and premature babies but emit strong EMFs. The incubator was turned on for 5
minutes, turned off for 5 minutes, and then back on again for 5 minutes. All 27 babies exposed to
the experimental conditions showed a significant decrease in HRV; the 16 who were not showed
no change in HRV (81). Furthermore, Havas et al. showed that a frequency of 2.4 GHz emitted
from a wireless phone caused immediate and dramatic changes in HR and HRV; one subject’s
pulse frequency nearly doubled with exposure to the EMF (82) (Figure 20).
Extended periods of irregular blood pressure or heart rate can cause fatality. A study
published in the American Journal of Epidemiology examined mortality from cardiovascular
disease in relation to occupational magnetic field exposure among 138,903 male electric utility
workers from 1950-1988 and found that longer duration of exposure to magnetic fields was
associated with increased risk of death from arrhythmia-related conditions and heart attacks (83).
A more recent study also published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that two
cohorts of 27,790 subjects had increased mortality rates due to acute heart attacks when exposure
was greater than 30 mG after many years of exposure (84).
E) Effects on the Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a system of glands that secretes hormones into the blood stream
to regulate various bodily functions; these hormones can have effects that last hours or weeks.
Metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, and mood are some of the functions that
the endocrine system regulates (25). Organs of the endocrine system include the hypothalamus,
pineal body, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, stomach, duodenum, liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal
23
glands, and both female and male reproductive organs (25). Electromagnetic fields have been
shown to affect the testes, the thyroid gland, and the hormone melatonin.
i)
Effects on Male Fertility
Several studies have shown that the EMFs emitted from mobile phones can reduce sperm
count, motility, viability, and/or morphology (85). Argarwal et al. found a 59% decline in sperm
count in men who used cell phones for 4 or more hours per day as compared with those who did
not use cell phones at all; adverse effects on motility, viability, and morphology of sperm were
shown as well (86). A subsequent study by Argarwal et al. subjected sperm donated from 23
healthy donors and 9 patients of an infertility clinic to 850-900 MHz frequency radiation at a
SAR value of 1.46 W/kg for 60 minutes; the results indicated a significant decrease in sperm
motility and viability and in increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are
free radicals (87). Wdowiak et al. found an increase in the percentage of sperm cells of abnormal
morphology as well as a decrease in sperm cell viability associated with longer times of exposure
to radiation emitted by GSM mobile phones (88). A study by Erogul et al. subjected semen from
27 males to EMFs of 900 MHz frequency at an average power density 20 µW/cm2 for 5 minutes
at 4 inches from the samples and found statistically significant changes in sperm motility (89).
Falzone et al. irradiated the sperm of twelve healthy males between 17 and 28 years old at a
frequency of 900 MHz and a SAR value of 2.0 W/kg for 1 hour and found significant reduction
in the sperm head area as well as reduced fertilization potential compared with control subjects
(90).
ii)
Effects on Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is situated in the neck (Figure 21). It produces tri-iodothyronine (T3)
and throxine (or tetraiodothyronine-T4) which are responsible for controlling metabolism and the
24
growth and function of other systems in the body (91). The thyroid also produces calcitonin
which is involved in the regulation of calcium in the blood. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
regulates the hormonal output of the thyroid. If the thyroid is overactive, it is referred to as
hyperthyroidism and can cause excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle weakness, and
sensitivity to heat (92). In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is underactive and can cause weight gain,
fatigue, baldness, intolerance to cold, and decreased heart rate (92).
A study involving 77 healthy university students showed that use of a mobile phone
between 5-20 minutes per day increased TSH levels by nearly a factor of two (93). There was
also a slight drop in T4 levels. To date, this is the only study of humans showing a relationship
between wireless radiation and thyroid function. But, several animal studies have shown a
correlation as well. Ten adult male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to a 900 MHz EMF for 30
minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks showed significantly lower TSH, T3, and T4
levels as compared to a control groups (94). Two month old Wistar rats exposed to a 900 MHz
pulse-modulated frequency at a SAR of 1.35 W/kg for 20 minutes a day for a period of three
weeks had inhibited thyroid hormone secretion and showed signs of hypothyroidism (95). In
addition, chronic exposure to a 2.45 GHz frequency increased T3 levels and decreased T4 levels
in male rats (96). In another experiment, Sinha exposed ten mice to a frequency of 900 MHz
from a GSM mobile phone for 8 weeks. Phones were placed next to the mice and were put on
silent; 50 calls per day were made to the phones, with a time of 30 second per missed call. A
statistically significant two-fold increase was seen in the size of thyroid follicular cells, which
secrete T3 and T4 (97).
25
iii)
Effects on Melatonin Production
Melatonin is a hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland and is important in the
regulation of sleep cycles and in protecting DNA due to its strong antioxidant properties (98). It
is widely accepted that the presence of light decreases melatonin production, but several studies
have also shown that long-term exposure to EMFs (≤ 60 Hz at ≥ 10 mG) also decrease melatonin
production (101, 102, 103, 104, 105). Low levels of melatonin can cause restlessness, difficulty
falling asleep, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and possibly Alzheimer’s disease and cancer
(99).
Indicators for levels of melatonin in the body are 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6-s) and 6hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) excreted in urine (100). As melatonin levels decrease,
levels of aMT6-s and 6-OHMS also decrease. In clinical tests, the levels of aMT6-s and 6OHMS in the urine may be adjusted for factors such as creatinine to ensure accuracy of results.
Juutilainen et al. conducted a study which measured creatinine-adjusted aMT6-s levels in 31
seamstresses and 8 other garment workers; this population was chosen because their profession
exposes them to high strength ELF EMFs. In comparison to 21 control participants, the
seamstresses and garment workers had creatinine-adjusted aMT6-s levels 1.67 times lower (16.4
nanograms/milligram (ng/mg) v. 27.4 ng/mg) than the control group during the work week (101).
Interestingly, weekend levels of aMT6-s were similar amongst all groups, indicating that EMF
exposure was the cause for decreased melatonin production (101). Davis et al. subjected 115 premenopausal women to a 60 Hz magnetic field at strength of 5-10 mG during sleep for five
consecutive nights and found statistically significant decreases in aMT6-s levels (102). Levallois
et al. evaluated aMT6-s levels in 221 women living near 735-killovolt (kV) power lines and
compared them to 195 woman of the same age who did not live in close proximity to power
26
lines; the average exposure was 3.3 mG for women living near the power lines and 1.3 mG for
those not living near the power lines. Living near the power lines was shown to be associated
with a significant decline in creatinine-adjusted aMT6-s levels among older women and women
with higher body mass indices (BMIs) (103). Burch et al. showed that 110 subjects working in
environments high in EMFs of 60 Hz frequency for more than 2 hours a day had nocturnal
aMT6-s levels that were 43% lower than controls not exposed to the EMFs (104). A subsequent
study by Burch et al. showed that using a cell phone for more than 25 minutes per day for three
consecutive days caused a decrease in mean nocturnal 6-OHMS concentrations and overnight 6OHMS excretion compared with those who did not use cell phones (105).
F) Neurological Effects
A properly functioning nervous system is essential to our wellbeing. Dysfunction can
lead to changes in sleep, cognition, glucose metabolism in the brain, an increase in the
permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB), and even disorders/diseases including attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer’s disease (106).
A number of studies using radiation emitted from cell phones have shown effects on
neurological functioning and indicate that these effects can be cumulative (107). A common
method used to detect changes in neurological functioning is to use an (EEG) test to measure a
subject’s brain wave activity. At different levels of arousal, the brain shows different
characteristic frequencies. When awake and during normal levels of consciousness, beta waves
of 14-30 Hz are produced on an EEG. Alpha waves of 9-13 Hz represent calm, relaxed, nonthinking states, theta waves of 4-8 Hz represent deep relaxation, and delta waves of 1-3 Hz
represent deep, dreamless sleep (25).
27
i)
Effects on Sleep
During sleep, there are periods of rapid-eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM).
REM is associated with dreaming and NREM is associated with deeper states of sleep. Sleep
consists of four stages, and the cyclization between REM and NREM states usually occurs
between 4 and 5 times (Figure 22) (25). Any alteration to normal brain activity, especially during
sleep when the body is recovering from the stresses of the day, can be potentially cause adverse
health effects.
Mann and Roschke reported that cell phone radiation shortened sleep onset latency and
suppressed the duration of REM sleep (108). Borbely et al. and Huber et al. found that a 900
MHz frequency at a SAR of 1 W/kg emitted in 15 minute intervals induced sleep and increased
NREM, thereby modifying the sleep EEG (109, 110). Lebedeva et al. subjected participants to
the global system mobile (GSM)-standard 900 MHz cell phone frequency as well; an 8-hour
EEG showed an increase in the power density of alpha waves (8-12Hz) (111). An exposure to
the head for 30 minutes to a pulse-modulated 900 MHz frequency altered blood flow at the site
of exposure; the same protocol prior to sleep onset enhanced EEG power in the alpha frequency
range and in the spindle frequency range during stage 2 of sleep (112). Huber et al. found that
cerebral blood flow was altered by 900 MHz of pulsed radiation at a SAR of 1 W/kg in 12 men
between 20 and 25 years of age (113). Moreover, exposure to a SAR level of 0.1 W/kg at the
thalamus (midbrain structure serving basic primal functions) altered NREM sleep in EEGs of
participants and was not dependent on which side of the head was irradiated (114). Lowden et al.
subjected participants to a frequency of 884 MHz at a SAR of 1.4 W/kg for 3 hours prior to
sleep; stages 3 and 4 (low frequency) decreased 12% and stage 2 sleep increased by 4% in
comparison to controls (115). An experiment with the same parameters conducted by Arnetz et
28
al. found that exposed participants reported headaches, difficulty falling asleep, and lower
quality of sleep; stages 3 and 4 of sleep were also shown to be decreased (116).
ii)
Effects on Cognition
Cell phone radiation was shown to significantly affect preparatory slow brain potential
when participants were performing cognitive complex visual tasks (117). Krause et al. reported
that the a frequency of 902 MHz emitted by cell phones affected EEG oscillatory activity during
a cognitive test; the EEG response was strongest in the 6-8 Hz and 8-10 Hz bands and was
dependent on memory load (118). Mobile phone exposure decreased delta wave activity and
increased alpha wave activity in resting EEGs of participants when responding to auditory
stimuli (Figure 23) (119). Mobile phone exposure to 15 children subjects between the ages of 10
and 14 affected brain oscillatory activity when performing auditory memory tasks (120). In
another study, subjects were exposed to a frequency of 890.2 MHz at a SAR somewhere between
0.54-1.09 W/kg via a mobile phone; the response to a visual stimulus was 146 milliseconds (ms)
longer than for sham exposures (121).
iii)
Effects on Glucose Metabolism in Brain
Last year, Volkow et al. published a study in the Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA) which found that 50 minutes of cell phone exposure was associated with
increased brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the antenna of the phone (Figure 24)
(122). Forty-seven healthy participants had a cell phone attached to both of their ears; the cell
phones were activated with the sound muted for 50 minutes and then completely turned off for
50 minutes. When the phones were activated, the metabolism in the region closest to the antenna
was 35.7 micromoles/100 grams per minute (μmol/100 g per min) as opposed to 33.3 μmol/100 g
29
per min when deactivated (122). The increase was considered statistically significant, but the
clinical implications remain unknown (122, 123).
iv)
Effects on Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized structure that protects the brain
from potentially hazardous substances such as toxins, bacteria, and viruses that could be
circulating in the blood. A breach could result in nerve cellular damage and even be fatal (214).
At the very least, “leakage” of the blood brain barrier could initiate and/or exacerbate conditions
including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple
sclerosis (125). Therefore, any disruption in its functioning is considered a serious threat to
health.
Low-frequency EMFs in the RF band have been found to increase the permeability of the
blood-brain barrier in numerous animal studies. Studies on rats, who have anatomically similar
BBBs to humans, have shown significant leakage of albumin across the BBB from a cell phone
at a SAR level of 0.010 W/kg(Figure 25) (126) . Rats exposed to a GSM-900 (900 MHz) cell
phone frequency at a SAR of 0.012 W/kg for two hours showed increased leakage of albumin
immediately and 14 days after exposure (127). The same frequency, SAR value, and time of
exposure were used in another study; the results showed that leakage of albumin and uptake into
the neurons of rats 14 days after exposure (128). Continuous exposure to both 900 and 1800
MHz for 20 minutes also increased the permeability of the BBB in rats (129). Additionally,
GSM-1800 (1800 MHz) increased the permeability of sucrose in the BBB in rats (130).
There have been no human studies done showing the correlation between low-frequency
EMF exposure and BBB leakage. Due to the serious adverse reactions caused by disrupting the
BBB, it is possible that no studies will be done in this area on humans.
30
v)
EMFs, Behavioral Problems, and ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves lack of attentiveness,
hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Those with ADHD have trouble focusing on a task for an
extended amount of time, are often forgetful, and can have difficulty organizing their objectives
(131). ADHD affects between 3 and 5% of school-aged children globally (132). In the U.S.,
there are twenty states with over 10% of their youth population (4-17 years old) diagnosed with
ADHD (Figure 26) (132). From 2006 to 2010, there was a 21.8% increase in children diagnosed
with ADHD in the U.S. (133). In 60% of cases, ADHD persists into adulthood and affects 4% of
the adult U.S. population, or 8 million people (135). The cause of ADHD still remains unclear
(131).
There have been several studies linking EMF exposure to ADHD and its symptoms. A
study of 28,745 Danish children found that those exposed to mobile phones in the womb were 40
percent more likely to behave abnormally than those not exposed; there was also an 8 percent
increase in abnormal behavior for children exposed to cell phone radiation only after being born
compared to those not exposed at all (135). A study examining the effects of wireless radiation
on 1,524 Bavarian adolescents found that measured exposure to RF fields in the highest quartile
was associated with overall behavioral problems (136). Havas et al. conducted a study in a
grade-school (grades 1-12) in which Graham-Stetzer (GS) filters were used to remove EMFs
with frequencies between 4 and 100 kHz. After six weeks, results were tabulated and showed
decreases in the time required to start class, student disruptions, needing to repeat instructions,
classroom noise, and increases in the students’ abilities to focus and participate (137). A
subsequent study by Havas et al. using a similar protocol found that behavioral traits among
31
elementary and middle school students improved by 70% when the GS filters were used (Figure
27) (138).
vi)
EMFs and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and inhibits brain
function (Figure 28). Early symptoms include difficulty performing tasks that require thought,
getting lost on familiar routes, forgetfulness, apathy, personality changes, and loss of social skills
(139). As AD progresses, symptoms worsen and include delusions, depression, agitation,
restlessness, psychosis, hallucinations, violent behavior, and inability to communicate with
others (139). Those with severe AD cannot understand language, recognize family members, or
perform basic tasks like eating, dressing, and bathing (139). Eventually, AD leads to death.
The risk of developing AD increases with age; it usually begins around age 60 and the
chance doubles every 5 years beyond the age of 65 (140). But, AD is not a normal part of the
aging process and is due to genetic and/or environmental factors although the causes still remain
unclear. A possible cause for AD is chronic exposure to low-frequency EMFs. A study in 2003
found that the risk of dying from AD was four times higher among 718,221 Swedish engineering
industry workers compared to those not exposed to EMFs in an occupational setting (141).
Another study in 2003 of 4,812,646 Swedish subjects found that the risk of dying from AD was
2.3 times higher in men exposed to ≥5 mG in an occupational setting (142). In a study of 931
subjects, Qiu et al. found that men chronically exposed to ELF EMFs of 2 mG or higher had a
2.3 times greater chance of developing AD (143). In 2008, Huss et al. analyzed the relationship
between residential magnetic field exposure from power lines of 220-380 kV and mortality from
neurodegenerative conditions among 4.7 million people of the National Swiss Cohort. The
results showed a dose-response relationship between power line exposure and AD; people living
32
at least 5 years within 165 feet had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.51 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.51),
increasing to 1.78 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.96) with at least 10 years and to 2.00 (95% CI: 1.21, 3.33)
with at least 15 years (144). The hazard ratio indicates the increased likelihood that those in close
proximity to the power lines will die from AD compared to those living over 165 feet from the
power lines. Röösli et al. followed 20,141 Swiss railway employees for 31 years. Comparisons
for cause-specific mortality were made between taxi drivers with mean cumulative exposures of
210 mG and station masters with mean cumulative exposures of 10 mG. For AD, the hazard ratio
for train drivers compared to station masters was 3.15 (95% CI = 0.90–11.04); for every year of
cumulative exposure of 100 mG, mortality due to AD increased by 9.4% (145).
G) EMFs and Cancer
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the body (146). Under normal circumstances, the
body has the ability to control the growth rate of its cells, and if anomalies occur, the body
simply destroys the malfunctioning cells. When this system of checking cells is broken, cells can
begin to divide rapidly and have the ability to spread to throughout the body. Over time, the cells
form a mass, or tumor. The effects of the tumor depend on where it is in the body, but in general
they lead to severe systemic dysfunction. For instance, in leukemia, a drastic increase in
immature WBCs (blasts) occurs, resulting in reduced blood platelet formation, decreased WBC
production, and anemia; symptoms include excessive bruising, bleeding, decreased ability to
fight infection, fatigue, and heart problems (147). In the brain, a tumor can cause headache,
weakness, clumsiness, difficulty walking, seizures, nausea, vomiting, difficulties with speech,
and decreased intellectual capacity (148). Ultimately, if a cancer is not treated effectively,
severe discomfort and subsequent death will ensue.
33
Unfortunately, cancer takes over half a million lives each year and is the second leading
cause of death in the United States (149). One in three people will develop a form of cancer in
their lifetime; this number is expected to increase to one in every two people by the year 2020
(150). Although diagnostic techniques and treatments have slightly reduced morality due to
cancer since former president Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act of 1971, the disease
still affects nearly everyone in the world (151). It is therefore pertinent to limit public exposure
to cancer-causing agents, also known as carcinogens. The World Health Organization (WHO), in
conjunction with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), labeled powerfrequency (ELF) fields and RF fields as class “2B” possible carcinogens in 2001 and 2011,
respectively (152, 153). “2B” refers to the category in which the EMFs were placed; this is the
same category that contains lead, gasoline engine exhaust, burning coal, dry cleaning chemicals,
and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (154).
Several studies have shown that ELF and RF fields can cause a variety of cancers, even when
emitted from only one source. Milham and Morgan conducted a study in a California middle
school which had very high levels of RF EMFs (4-150 KHz) due to voltage transients. Voltage
transients refer to spikes in voltage that indicate the quality of electrical power in a building; if
voltage transients exist and are abundant, the power quality is low. For the teachers working in
the middle school, the observed to expected ratio (O/E) for developing any type of cancer was
2.78 (P = 0.000098); the O/E risk ratio was 9.8 (P = 0.0008) for malignant melanoma, 13.3 (P =
0.0098) for thyroid cancer, and 9.2 (P = 0.019) for uterine cancer (155). Upon statistical analysis,
it was found that one year of employment at this middle school increased a teacher’s risk for
cancer by 21% (155). Dode et al. found that the mortality rate from neoplasia (abnormal
proliferation of cells leading to malignant cancer) corresponding to living within 1000 meters
34
(547 yards or 5.5 football fields) of a cell phone base station (800-1800 MHz) was 34.76 per
10,000 inhabitants (156). The total number of deaths from neoplasia over a ten year period was
7191 within 1000 meters (m) of the base station; 49.63% occurred within 100 m, 19.58% from
100-200 m, 13.53% from 200-300 m, 6.7% from 300-400 m, 4% from 400-500 m, and 2.04%
beyond 500 m (156) (Figures 29, 30). In considering the entire population of 2,238,332 people in
the region, the mortality rate was 32.12 per 10,000 inhabitants if distance from the base station is
not considered. The results clearly indicate that as proximity to the base station increases, the
mortality rate from neoplasia increases; the mortality rate was 4963 per 10,000 within 100
meters of the base station (156). Eger et al. found that after a base station was installed in a
residential area in Naila, Germany, the relative risk of suffering from cancer was three times
higher for the subjects living within 400 m of the base station in comparison to those living
beyond that distance (157). Another study by Wolf and Wolf found that living within 250 meters
of a base station cause a 4.15 increase in the risk of developing cancer (158). Cherry conducted a
study which looked at the development of cancers in children in relation to proximity to the
Sutro tower in San Francisco, California which emits 30-300 MHz and 0.3-3 GHz frequencies at
616 kW and 18.3 MW, respectively (149). He found that within 1 kilometer (1,094 yards) of the
tower, the RR for all cancers studied was 9.9 (95%, CI 3.84-25.4, p<0.0000001) in comparison
to living 5 or more kilometers from the tower; brain cancer (RR = 15.5) and lymphoma (RR =
15.5) were significantly elevated. Leukemia was also elevated (RR=5.2) (173) (Figure 31). As
distance increased from the tower, the RR for cancers decreased as well (Figure 32).
i)
Childhood Leukemia
Leukemia accounts for about 33% of childhood cancers (160). Acute lymphatic
lymphoma (ALL) accounts for about 75% of leukemia cases in children; most other cases are
35
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), but a few cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
are reported each year (160). Most leukemia cases occur in children between the ages of two to
four.
The labeling of ELF fields as possible carcinogens in 2011 was because of studies
published showing a positive correlation between these fields and childhood leukemia. Two
recent meta-analyses confirmed ELF fields as a possible contributor to leukemia in children.
Meta-analyses look at all relevant studies, combine the data, and note statistically significant
trends. Both analyses indicated that exposures to ≥ 30 mG correlated with significant increases in
the number of cases of childhood leukemia (161, 162) (Figure 33). Interestingly, none of the
studies show statistically significant decreases. The studies included in the analyses were
conducted in the United States, Sweden, West Germany, Canada, England and Wales, Japan,
Iran, and Mexico, indicating that this issue is worldwide. Furthermore, the analysis by Calvente
et al. indicated that four studies show a positive correlation between RF exposure and childhood
leukemia (161) (Figure 34).
ii)
Brain Cancer
Arguably, the most important topic in regards to wireless technology and potential health
effects is whether or not devices such as cell phones cause brain cancer. This is because cell
phones are held directly to the head and used regularly by nearly 90% of the world’s population.
Media attention was brought to the possibility that cell phones could cause brain tumors
when Larry King hosted a special edition on the topic in 2000. King hosted David Reynard, a
man whose wife had died from a brain tumor, along with several experts in the bioelectrical and
medical fields. Reynard had filed a lawsuit against the cell phone industry claiming that his
wife’s cell phone had caused her death; his evidence came from a surgeon who explained that
36
Reynard’s wife’s tumor grew inward and was on the same side as where the cell phone was held.
According to Reynard, “A couple of months after Suzy went through brain surgery, I was able to
get a hold of the MRI and I was actually able to put the cellular telephone right up to the MRI,
and the tumor actually appeared to be a glow from the antenna (163).”
The Larry King Live special created a stir and the media began asking the cell phone
industry to produce studies that cell phones were safe; the industry could not produce any
studies. In response, the Telecom industry set aside about $25 million to study the safety of cell
phones. The Interphone Study was established, which was conducted in 13 countries; the
methodology involved case-controlled studies which focused on brain tumors (glioma and
meningioma) as well as acoustic nerve and parotid gland tumors (164). The study was closed in
March of 2012 and the conclusion was that cell phones do not increase the risk of brain cancer,
and many of the studies indicated that cell phones provided a protective effect against brain
tumors; that is, if a cell phone is used, there is a decreased risk in developing brain cancer (164).
For this reason, the results of the Interphone study, the largest study ever conducted on the
adverse effects of radiofrequency radiation, appeared skewed, and the results are inconclusive.
The results are also contrasting to the WHO’s classification of RF radiation as a potential human
carcinogen, which were also based on studies of wireless phone usage (153).
Several studies verify the WHO’s “2B” classification of RF radiation. In a study
including 233 men and women, Hardell et al. found that ipsilateral use of cell phones increased
the risk for tumors in the temporal, temporoparietal, and occipital lobes (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 0.976.05); these are the areas in which exposure is highest from the radiation emitted by phones
(165). A study by Schüz et al. found an increased risk of glioma (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 0.94, 5.11)
in 366 subjects that had used them 10 or more years; glioma is a form of brain cancer (166).
37
Khurana et al. also found that 10 or more years of cell phone use correlated with increased risk
of brain cancer. In this case, the tumors formed on the same side of the head as that preferred for
cell phone use; statistical significance was reached for glioma and acoustic neuroma, a cancer of
the nerve that connects the ear to the brain (167). In a study of 1251 cases of brain tumors
compared to 2,438 controls, an increased risk of astrocytoma, a form of glioma, was found with
ten or more years of cell phone use (OR = 2.7, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.9-3.7) and
cordless phone use (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2-2.9); the analysis also considered use of wireless
phones before the age of 20 and found the risk of astrocytoma was increased 4.9 fold (95% CI =
2.2-11) for cell phones and 3.9 fold (95% CI = 1.7-8.7) for cordless phones (168). When
considering all age groups, there is evidence that every 100 hours of cell phone use increases the
risk of brain cancer by 5%; one year of use can increase the risk by 8% (169). These percentages
come from two case-controlled studies involving 3,067 participants between the ages of 20 and
80. When considering those who began using wireless phones before the age of 20, the risk of
brain cancer increases. One study found a 717% increased risk of brain cancer from cell phone
use in young adults (20-29 years old) as compared to mature adults; there was also a significantly
increased risk for cordless phones use in young adults (Figure 35) (170). A second study showed
a 217% increased risk of brain tumor for younger cell phone users (Figure 36) (172). Digital cell
phone use was shown to increase the risk of brain cancer significantly (OR=5.2, 95% CI=2.2-12)
when used before the age of 20; a similar trend was seen for cordless phones (OR=4.4, 95%
CI=1.9-10) (172). Children and teenagers are more susceptible to radiation produced by cell
phone and digital phones because they have thinner skulls and are still developing myelin which
protects neurons from damage; radiation can penetrate deeper into the head and affect neurons
more because there is less protection (173) (Figure 37).
38
Measures to Protect Against Adverse Effects of Non-Thermal EMF Exposure
Although technology that utilizes low-frequency electromagnetic fields is widespread and
is difficult to avoid, there are protective measures that can be taken to avoid the risks associated
with its use. In general, the studies suggest that it is advisable to avoid areas with high strength
EMFs and to limit exposure time as much as possible. High strength EMFs can usually be
avoided by increasing distance from the source emanating the fields. For instance, when a toaster
oven is in use, walking a few feet away from the device would decrease the field strength. This
same principle can be applied to all electronic devices. Furthermore, if possible, it would be best
to avoid occupations and living quarters which are known to expose people to high levels of
ELFs or RFs. As shown in several studies, cell phone base stations can generate high levels of
RF radiation; it would therefore be prudent to avoid living and working within close proximity to
these towers. Personal use of EMF-emitting devices can be minimized as well. Microwave ovens
have been shown to emit RF fields of 10,000 – 1,000,000 µW/cm2 within one foot and 1,500
µW/cm2 within 10 feet and should therefore be used sparingly (54). Whenever feasible, manual
devices can be used in place of electronic devices. For example, a straight razor can be used in
place on an electric razor. In addition, replacing devices that emit high-strength EMFs with those
that emit low-strength EMFs is possible. In the case of light bulbs, compound fluorescent lights
(CFLs) can be replaced with light-emitting diodes (LED) or incandescent bulbs (174). All
electrical devices can also be unplugged when not in use in order to eliminate fields completely.
Moreover, avoiding contact with metal is advised because it serves as an antenna for EMFs.
Metal can be found in mattresses, bed frames, glasses, jewelry, bras, zippers, belts, dental
fillings, and braces, among other sources. Metal, along with electrical wiring, can be found in
walls of the home, so it is best to not keep a bed flush with a wall. If it is expected that high
39
levels of EMFs are present in the home or office, a professional assessment using advanced
equipment can be done. Self assessment is also a possibility, but the devices which measure
EMFs must be able to detect a wide range of frequencies and must be accurate; often, such
devices cost hundreds to thousands of dollars and training is required for their proper use.
In regard to cell and wireless phones, it is best to use the speaker phone when making or
receiving calls and to keep the phone away from the body as far as possible. Keeping calls short
is also ideal; using a wired phone is advised for longer duration calls. Furthermore, cell phones
emit higher levels of radiation when in areas of bad reception, so it is best not to use them in
such areas (54). Moreover, wired head sets are not advisable because EMFs can travel from the
cell phone, through the wire, and to the head. Wireless headsets create a similar problem as they
are antennas for RF radiation and emit ELF EMFs. Better solutions are air-tube headsets or
diodes that can be attached to phones; both have been shown to reduce radiation to the head
significantly (Figures 38-40) (175). Texting is likely a better alternative than talking on a cell
phone because the strength of the overall EMFs are decreased and are not directed at the head.
But, personal digital assistants (PDAs) have been shown to emit ELF fields between 20 and 100
mG when downloading files, 300-600 mG during email activities, and 900 mG when the phone
is switched on; during activities such as reading text messages, fields of 5-10 mG were produced
regularly (176). Therefore, precautions should be taken even when using the phone for activities
unrelated to calls. In addition, putting the phone in Airplane Mode and turning it off when not in
use will eliminate ELF and RF fields that the phone generates. In regard to cordless phones in the
home, measurements have indicated that the docking stations of the 5.8 and DECT 6.0 models
emit RF fields of 200,000 µW/cm2 at a distance within one foot of the station and a field of 2,000
µW/cm2 within ten feet; hence, they should be replaced with corded phones.
40
Precautionary measures can also be taken to reduce EMF exposure from computers. The
new flat-screen computer screens emit far less radiation than the bulky, cathode-ray screens that
were used more extensively in the past. In general, the technology used to power new computers
and laptops is more efficient and emits far lower levels of EMFs than older technology. Personal
measurement of a laptop from the 90’s was shown to emit ELF fields of up to 80 mG. Newer
laptops typically emit 1 mG or less. But, a precautionary approach would be to not hold a laptop
close to the body and instead place it on a table within a reasonable distance. If possible, the use
of an extendable keyboard is advised because it creates further distance from the major
components of the laptop that emit EMFs. Lastly, using a wired connection for internet access
appears safer than use of Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi router can emit an RF field of 30,000 µW/cm2 at a
distance of one foot from the router and a field of 3,000 µW/cm2 at a distance of 10 feet (54).
Wired routers do not emit any RF fields although they do emit very low levels of ELF fields; but,
the ELF fields dissipate rapidly as distance is increased from the router.
A few measures can be taken to reduce the potential hazards associated with EMF
exposure from televisions. The ideal television screen is an LCD; old cathode-ray screens and
plasma screens emit strong ELF fields (5). In any case, sitting as far as possible from the TV will
reduce exposure to the EMFs it generates. Further, analog receivers can be used instead of
wireless receivers. Remote controls should be directed at the television only.
Detoxification/Treatment Options
“Sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation is the emerging health problem of the 21st
century. It is imperative health practitioners, governments, schools, and parents learn
more about it. The human health stakes are significant.”
-William Rea, MD
41
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is not a recognized medical condition, although
the American with Disabilities Act and the Canadian government recognize EHS as an
environmental sensitivity; Sweden and Norway recognize the condition as a functional
impairment (177). There are no standard treatment options for EHS, but health experts who
recognize EHS as a potential medical condition have created diagnostic tests to detect the level
of sensitivity to EMFs as well as detoxification protocols to restore the electromagnetic functions
of the body.
Dr. William Rea, director of the Environmental Health Center in Dallas, Texas, subjects
patients with possible EHS to EMFs of various frequencies using a sweep/function generator
(Figure 41); placebos of no frequency are also included to ensure validity of the results. When
the frequencies which are affecting the patient are identified, the patients are re-challenged with
the selected frequencies using the same protocol (178). In electro-sensitive patients, symptoms
induced by the test have been neurological (tingling, sleepiness, headache, dizziness,
unconsciousness), musculoskeletal (pain, tightness, spasm, fibrillation), cardiovascular
(palpitation, flushing, tachycardia, edema), oral/respiratory (pressure in ears, tooth pains,
tightness in chest, shortness of breath), gastrointestinal (nausea, belching), ocular (burning), and
dermal (itching, burning, prickling pain); in the majority of patients, the symptoms seen are
neurological (178). Interestingly, patients with EHS do not react to the placebos, only to the
frequencies causing their symptoms.
Unfortunately, most physicians are not trained in the area of electromagnetic sensitivity;
so, diagnostic procedures and treatment protocols given by professionals for EHS are limited.
But, those experiencing EHS can follow a simple, non-invasive detoxification protocol that is
generally advised by physicians for any health condition. First, strict avoidance from the
42
causative agent is advised. In this case, the source of the problem is EMF-emitting devices;
therefore, every precaution should be taken to avoid EMF exposure. If this is not done, most of
the other detoxification steps will have little to no effect because the source of the problem has
not been eliminated. Furthermore, a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega6 fats) from sources including fish, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, almonds,
sunflower seeds, olive oil, and seaweed is recommended by physicians because it increases cell
membrane permeability; remember, cell membrane permeability is compromised by chronic
EMF exposure (179). The source of fish is important because farm-raised fish and fish from
certain regions and of certain species can contain high levels of methylmercury; it is best to eat
wild-caught salmon as they generally have the lowest levels of methylmercury (180). Ingestion
of heavy metals will only increase the work required by the cells to excrete toxins. Oral
supplementation of fish or krill oil provides polyunsaturated fats and greatly reduces the chance
of ingesting toxic heavy metals because they are filtered out during processing (181). It is also
important to balance the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 because excessive consumption of
omega-6 fats can lead to inflammation which exacerbates most symptoms of EMF exposure
(182). It may also be wise to ingest foods and beverages rich in antioxidants such as vegetables,
fruits, and green tea as they neutralize the free radicals generated by EMF exposure; polyphenols
found in green tea as well as caffeic acid found in fruits, nuts, and oils have been shown to
protect the liver and cortical neurons from cell phone radiation (183, 184). Additionally, proper
hydration with pure water is essential because cells required water for proper functioning.
Supporting melatonin production is also critical because EMF exposure can lower melatonin
levels. In order to optimize melatonin production, sleeping in complete darkness is necessary
because light hinders the hormone’s production significantly (185). Of course, regular exercise
43
and stretching will increase blood flow and facilitate the removal of waste from the body through
sweating while also combating generalized fatigue that can be associated with EMF exposure
(186). A less considered detoxification protocol for all health issues including those caused or
exacerbated by EMF exposure is to remove dental fillings that contain mercury. This is advised
because mercury is a known neurotoxin and has been shown to be absorbed daily when present
in teeth (187). Over time, mercury accumulates and can cause neurological dysfunction, further
worsening the symptoms of chronic EMF exposure (189). The last approach is to directly alter
the energy field of the body, albeit in non-invasive ways. Although unconventional in the United
States, qigong breathing exercises practiced in eastern countries have been shown to release MFs
of up to 15 mG in strength from the body; the field generated by the body is typically onethousand times below this value (189, 26). Dr. Zhu, a practitioner of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), has used acupuncture to treat the symptoms of EMF exposure including brain
fog, insomnia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) (190). Drs. Chevalier, Sinatra, and several
others have conducted studies showing that “grounding” can create a stable internal bioelectrical
environment for the normal functioning of all body systems (191). Grounding is simply being in
contact with the Earth. The Earth contains a virtually limitless supply of electrons on its surface
due to daily lightning strikes; because humans are conductors of electricity, electrons from the
Earth pass into the body. These electrons neutralize free radicals in the body and therefore serve
as powerful antioxidants. Because the supply of electrons from the Earth is limitless, the
antioxidant properties exist as long as one is in contact with the Earth. Grounding has been
shown to improve sleep, blood oxygenation, HRV, and immune response while also reducing
pain, anxiety, irritability, inflammation (191). Walking barefoot or wearing leather shoes allows
44
for direct contact with the Earth; wearing shoes made of rubber does not because rubber is an
insulator of electric charge.
Summary & Conclusions
“I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving
that he can outwit nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her
seniority,”
– E B White, Author
The technology which generates electromagnetic fields is indispensable: we cannot live
without electrical power, information communication systems, and life-saving medical
equipment. The utilization of EMFs has greatly increased our efficiency, living conditions, and
even longevity. But, it must be recognized that this technology comes with a price: ELF and RF
frequencies have been shown in numerous studies to cause a variety of health complications
ranging from cognitive impairment to cancer and heart disease (Figure 42). Because of this, it
has been recommended by prominent scientists, physicians, and the World Health Organization
to limit exposure to EMFs as much as possible. Currently, little effort is made to limit exposure
to EMFs. In fact, more effort is made to increase cell phone reception and internet coverage
through the installation of cell phone towers and Wi-Fi/Wi-Max in residential areas. As a
society, it is crucial to consider the over 2,000 studies produced that show adverse effects of ELF
and RF fields on human health and decide if the benefits of using cell phones, computers,
televisions, and related devices outweigh the risks. At the very least, we can strive to live with
these technologies but use them as infrequently as possible and implement options that limit
exposure.
It is truly a critical time to discuss adverse effects of chronic EMF exposure and to take
45
action to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially children. It is time to question why the
research is not shared openly in the media and why instead television and radio is flooded with
advertisements for the newest smart-phones and laptops. It is not the industry’s fault for selling
products that are in constant demand by consumers; we as consumers must become informed as
to the health implications of overusing and abusing technology. In the words of Lennart Hardell,
MD, PhD, “It is time to stop denying the existence of non-thermal effects of EMF exposure.” It
is time to share this research with the masses and demand the production of technology that
generates the lowest levels of EMFs as reasonably possible.
46
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Figures/Graphs/Tables
Figure 1 – EMF Producing Devices Introduced Since 1900 (Source: Public Health SOS: The
Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution) – Figure gives a chronological description of EMF
producing technology starting from the 1900s and ending in current times.
60
Figure 2 – Electromagnetic Spectrum (Source: http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~imamura/122/lecture2/em.html) – Wavelength is given in meters (m) and listed at the top of the figure; frequency is
measured in Hertz (Hz) and listed below wavelength. The squiggly lines in the center of the
picture indicate frequency of the corresponding type of wave.
61
Figure 3 – Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation (Source:
http://safespaceprotection.com/harmful-effects-electromagnetic-fields.aspx) – The types of
radiation that do not cause ionization are shown and include extremely low frequency (ELF),
radiofrequency (RF), microwaves, and infrared waves.
62
Figure 4 – Types of Radiation Common Devices Emit (Source: IEEE Spectrum Magazine,
August 2000) – Devices that emit radiation are shown in perspective to what type of radiation
they emit.
63
Figure 5 – Earth’s Magnetic Field (Source: http://sepetjian.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/agelimiting-factors-the-geomagentic-field/) – The figure is a depiction of Earth’s magnetic field,
also referred to as the geomagnetic field.
64
Figure 6 – Lightning (Source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/naturaldisasters/lightning5.htm) – The figure displays the path taken by lightning when striking the
Earth. Strikes such as these allow electrons to flow across most of the surface of the Earth.
65
Figure 7 – Cyclotron Resonance (Source: Cross Currents) – Magnetic field, measured in Gauss
units, is shown on the X-axis. Frequency, measured in Hz, is shown on the Y-axis. The graph
shows that at a particular magnetic field strength and frequency, ions in the body resonate which
leads to excitation. For instance, the lithium ion (Li+) in the body is in resonance with a
magnetic field of 0.2 G and a frequency of 60 Hz. When 0.2 G and 60 Hz are applied to the body
concurrently, Li+ is activated, leading to sedation in the organism being tested.
66
Figure 8 – Magnetic Storm Illustration (Source:
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/most-incredible-images-magnetic-storms/14828)
– Depiction of a magnetic storm. In this case, solar wind is directed at the Earth, causing a
disturbance of the geomagnetic field.
67
Figure 9 – Biophotons Emitted by the Body (Source: “Imaging of Ultraweak Spontaneous
Photon Emission from Human Body Displaying Diurnal Rhythm”) – Pictures C through G show
the levels of light emitted from the subject. C corresponds to the first bar in Graph H, D to the
second bar, and so on. The pictures were produced using a cryogenic charge-coupled device
(CCD) camera. Picture I is an infrared image showing heat emissions
68
Figure 10 – Depiction of Electromagnetic Fields Generated by Humans (Source
(http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all) – A representation
of the weak EMF created by humans that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
69
Figure 11 – Motor Neuron (Source: How the Body Works) – Display of the components of a
motor neuron (located in the central nervous system) including the nucleus, cell body,
neuromuscular junction, axon, myelin sheath, and dendrites.
70
Figure 12 – Central Nervous System (Source:
http://images.emedicinehealth.com/images/4453/4453-4464-63362-71462.jpg) – Display of the
main components of the central nervous system (CNS).
71
Figure 13 – Depiction of Electrical Signals Sent by Neurons in the Brain (Source –
ScienceDaily.com) – The brain contains 100 billion neurons which send electrical signals to one
another instantaneously.
72
Figure 13 – Spectrum of Earth’s Natural EMFs Compared to Man-Made EMFs (Source:
Cross Currents) – The top figure shows low-frequency radiation generated naturally. The bottom
figure shows radiation generated my man-made devices.
73
Figure 14 – Examples of Modulation (Source – Cross Currents) – A is an analog signal
representative of natural waves. B shows pulsed modulation representative of an RF signal
activated at certain intervals. C shows amplitude modulation in which the RF signal shown in B
is oscillating continuously.
74
Figure 15 – DNA Strand Break (Source: http://www.ce.berkeley.edu/apps/newsarchive/view.php?item=51) – DNA is usually highly structured and organized, but EMFs can
cause the bases connecting the strands to separate. This leads to abnormal functioning of the
DNA.
75
Figure 16 – Overview of the Immune System (Source: virtualmedicalcentre.com) – The
components of the innate and acquired immune systems are shown. The innate is the first line of
defense against pathogens and the acquired is activated if pathogens enter the body and are not
cleared by the innate response.
76
Figure 17 – Symptoms Experienced by People in the Vicinity of Cellular Phone Base
Station (Source: Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution: 110
Questions on Electromagnetic Pollution from a Forum at the Commonwealth Club of California)
– Distance from the cellular phone base station is on the X-axis and is measured in meters.
Symptoms of EHS are included on the Y-axis. The Z-axis includes percentages of each symptom
experienced.
77
Figure 18 – Overview of the Cardiovascular System (Source: How the Body Works) – The
major components of the cardiovascular system are listed.
78
a)
b)
Figure 19 – ECG Comparing Regular Heart Beat (a) and Irregular Heartbeat (b) (Source:
http://www.a-fib.com/Overview.htm) – The electrocardiograph (ECG) shows that a healthy heart
(a) beats at regular intervals as compared to an unhealthy heart (b) that shows beats at irregular
intervals and shows fibrillation (squiggly lines)
79
Figure 20 – Increase in Heart Rate due to Wireless Radiation Exposure (Source: Dr. Havas:
“Provocation Study Using Heart Rate Variability Shows Microwave Radiation from 2.4 GHz
Cordless Phone Affects Autonomic Nervous System”) – The numbers in red indicate the pulse
frequency. When subject B was exposed to the wireless radiation, their pulse frequency
increased from 68 bpm to 122 bpm. When the radiation was turned off, their heart rate dropped
to 66 bpm. When the radiation was turned on again, their heart rate increased to 129 bpm.
80
Figure 21 – Thyroid Gland (Source: How the Body Works) – The components of the thyroid
gland are listed.
81
Figure 22 – Sleep Cycle (Source - http://brothersgrimmandgorey.blogspot.com/2010/11/ofsleep-and-dreaming.html) – The X-axis includes time by hour of a typical sleep cycle. The Yaxis are the stages of sleep, REM, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Vertical lines in the graph represent the cycles
between the stages of sleep.
82
Figure 23 – Mobile Phone Exposure Effect on Resting Alpha (8-12 Hz) EEG (Source:
“Acute mobile phone operation affects neural function in humans”) – The left photo shows the
EEG of the control; the right photo shows the EEG of a subject exposed to 20 minutes of mobile
phone radiation and indicates increased alpha wave activity.
83
Figure 24 – Effect of Cell Phone on Blood Glucose Metabolism in Brain (Source: “Effects of
Cell Phone Radiofrequency Signal Exposure on Brain Glucose Metabolism”) – The scan to the
left shows when the mobile phones were activated. Darker colors indicate more glucose
metabolism. The scan to the right shows when the mobile phones were turned off.
84
Figure 25 - Albumin Leakage across the Blood Brain Barrier due to Cellular Phone Use
(Source: http://www.liveindia.com/news/radiation96.html) – The top photo show a rat brain not
exposed to cellphone radiation. The bottom photo shows the same brain after exposure to cell
phone radiation. The circled regions indicate albumin leakage across the blood brain barrier.
85
Figure 26 – Percentage of Children Diagnosed with ADHD by State in U.S. (Source:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/prevalence.html) – Included are the most current statistics on
children diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. Each state is colored according to the key
on the left.
86
Figure 27 – Reduction of Dirty Electricity and Increase in Positive Behavioral Traits in
Students (Source: http://www.greenwavefilters.com/addadhd/) – Graph form of behavioral
improvements of students after GS filters were used to remove “dirty electricity” produced by
voltage transients. The X-axis displays the behaviors improved; the Y-axis displays the
percentage in which the behaviors were improved.
87
Figure 28 – Comparison of a Healthy Brain to the Brain of a Person with Advanced
Alzheimer’s Disease (Source: http://www.alz.org/braintour/healthy_vs_alzheimers.asp) – The
brain on the left is a depiction of a healthy brain; the brain on the right is a depiction of the brain
of a person with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
88
Figure 29 – Distance from Cellular Base Station in Relation to Mortality Rate by Neoplasia
(Source - "Mortality by Neoplasia and Cellular Telephone Base Stations in the Belo Horizonte
Municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil") – The X-axis displays distance from base station in
meters. The Y-axis displays rate of mortality of neoplasia. The red dots are the values taken from
the study; the blue line is the null hypothesis.
89
Figure 30 - Distance from Cellular Base Station in Relation to Mortality Rate by Neoplasia
(Source - "Mortality by Neoplasia and Cellular Telephone Base Stations in the Belo Horizonte
Municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil") – The triangle in the center of the photo represents the
cellular base station. Each ring is an increasing distance of 100 meters from the base station.
90
Figure 31 – Childhood Cancer Relative Risk Ratios (Source - “Childhood Cancer in the
Vicinity of the Sutro Tower, San Francisco”) – Cancer type along with associated statistics are
listed for cases of cancer within 1 kilometer of the Sutro Tower.
91
Figure 32 – Relative Risk of all Childhood Cancers in Relation to Distance from Sutro
Tower (Source - “Childhood Cancer in the Vicinity of the Sutro Tower, San Francisco”) –
Distance is displayed in kilometers on the X-axis and all the childhood cancers measured in the
study are plotted on the Y-axis.
92
Figure 33 – Summary of Childhood leukemia epidemiologic studies: low and extremely
low-frequency electromagnetic fields (Source –“Exposure to electromagnetic fields (nonionizing radiation) and its relationship with childhood leukemia: A systematic review”) – Eleven
studies showing effects of ELF on childhood leukemia
93
Figure 34 – Summary of Childhood leukemia epidemiologic studies: radiofrequency fields
(Source –“Exposure to electromagnetic fields (non-ionizing radiation) and its relationship with
childhood leukemia: A systematic review” – Four studies showing effects of RF on childhood
leukemia.
94
Figure 35: Increased Risk of Brain Tumor in Young Adults Compared to All Adults (Source: - “Cellular and cordless telephone use and the association with brain tumors in different
age groups”) – Age in relation to analog cell phone or cordless phone is listed on the X-axis.
Increased risk of developing brain tumors in percentage is listed on the Y-axis.
95
Figure 36: Increased Risk of Brain Tumor in Young Adults Compared to Older Adults –
(Source: “Case–control studies on human effects of wireless phone RF in Korea”) – Age range is
plotted on the X-axis and risk of brain tumor in percentage is plotted on the Y-axis.
96
Figure 37 - Estimation of the Absorption of Electromagnetic Radiation from a 900 MHz
Cell Phone Based on Age (Source – “Electromagnetic absorption in the human head and neck
for mobile telephones at 835 and 1900 MHz”) – More radiation penetrates into a 5 yr old child’s
head than the heads of a 10 yr old child and adult.
97
Figure 38 – Angiogram of Subject not Exposed to Cell Phone Radiation (Source:
http://www.cellphone-health.com/mret-mratest.htm) – Mostly yellow hexagons and upright pink
triangles indicate health brain activity.
98
Figure 39 – Angiogram of Subject Exposed to Cell Phone Radiation (Source:
http://www.cellphone-health.com/mret-mratest.htm) Use of a cell phone causes negative effects
on blood vessels in all parts of the brain
99
Figure 40 - Angiogram of Subject Exposed to Cell Phone Radiation with EMF Protection
(Source: http://www.cellphone-health.com/mret-mratest.htm) – Use of EMF protection
neutralizes adverse effects of cell phone radiation
100
Figure 41 – Sweep/Function Generator (Source - http://www.slack.com/temodel.html) – The
device is used to generate a variety of low-frequency EMFs
101
Figure 42 - Summary of Potential Health Effects of Chronic EMF Exposure
102